Jean’s work history began at age 13 during WWII at a corner grocery. She worked all throughout high school, doing secretarial/office jobs at various firms which included a grain elevator, shoe store and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. In Denver she worked as a secretary to the president of a firm that made artificial limbs for WWII veterans. After her marriage, she worked at various state offices and organizations in Pierre, SD until the birth of her five children. Her last job was at the law firm of May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson where she retired at the end of 1993 after 14 years.

Jean married James E. Terwilliger (Twig) at McCook, Nebraska on September 4, 1949. They moved to Watertown, SD where Twig worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. He transferred to Pierre in the fall of 1950 and their five children were born and raised there. After her retirement, they moved to near Hill City, SD in 1994, relocating to Rockerville in 1998. Jim died August 18, 2007, just two weeks before their 57th wedding anniversary. Jean moved to Rapid City in 2008 and to Somerset Court (Edgewood) retirement home in the spring of 2016.

She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a life member of the VFW and enjoyed the Rockerville Community Club. She enjoyed playing cards but family was the most important thing in her life.

Jean is survived by daughter: Mona Terwilliger Kelly of Rockerville; sons: James (Shelli) of Hermosa SD, Thomas of LaMonte, MO, Steven (Angie) of New Baden, IL and Mark (Bridget) of Salado, TX. She also leaves 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother: Irvin Wilcox, and three sisters: Irene Hamilton, Bernie Harris and Joan Peterson and son-in-law: Sam Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Cornerstone Mission, 30 Main St. Rapid City, SD or Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 717 Quincy St. Rapid City, SD.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.